8 Days | MPM-08 | Grand Alps & Heritage Journey | Nagoya
Overview
8 Days 7 Nights | Depart from Nagoya | Tour Ends Nagoya / Osaka
Route: Nagoya → Shirakawa-go → Toyama → Hakuba → Nagano → Mt. Fuji → Hakone → Nagoya / Osaka
Grand Alps Journey offers a unique combination of breathtaking alpine scenery and selected highlights of Japan’s famous Golden Route. Unlike traditional itineraries that focus mainly on major cities and shopping districts, this journey takes you beyond the usual tourist path to discover some of the most spectacular landscapes and cultural treasures in Central Japan.
From the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go and the coastal beauty of Toyama Bay to the stunning mountain scenery of Hakuba and the Japanese Alps, each destination reveals a different side of Japan. Along the way, travellers can experience traditional towns, local culture, and scenic regions that are often difficult to reach by public transportation.
The journey also incorporates selected Golden Route highlights, creating a well-balanced travel experience that combines nature, culture, history, and iconic destinations. With comfortable transportation and carefully planned stops, Grand Alps Journey allows travellers to explore a wider range of Japan’s beauty without the stress of frequent transfers or rushed schedules.
Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning to discover something new, this journey offers an unforgettable exploration of the Japanese Alps and beyond.
Inclusion & Exclusion
- Hotel accommodation as listed in the itinerary
- 2 daily breakfasts
- Transportation during the tour
- Tour coordination support services
- Sightseeing stops as listed in the itinerary
- Applicable Japanese consumption taxes and related taxes included
- Round-trip airfare
- Meals & personal expenses
- Admission tickets & optional activities
- Personal travel insurance
- Driver & tour assistance gratuity; USD15 per person per day
Meeting And Pickup
You can head directly to your preferred meeting point.
Meeting Point
What To Expect
- Day 1Nagoya → Shirakawa-go → Toyama
08:00 | Departure from Nagoya
Travel towards the mountain regions of Central Japan.
10:30 – 14:00 | Shirakawa-go Free Exploration
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Traditional Gassho-style Farmhouses
Shirakawa-go Observatory
Historic Village Streets
Rural Japanese Culture
Lunch at Leisure
Guests are free to explore independently.
14:00 | Departure for Toyama
16:00 – 18:00 | Toyama Free Exploration
- Toyama Station Area
Kansui Park
Toyama Bay Waterfront
Local Seafood Dining
Overnight in Toyama | Toyoko Inn or Similar
- Traditional Gassho-style Farmhouses
- Day 2Toyama → Hakuba → Nagano
08:00 | Departure from Toyama
Travel through the Northern Alps region.
10:30 – 15:00 | Hakuba Free Exploration
Hakuba is one of Japan’s most famous alpine resort destinations.
Highlights:
• Hakuba Mountain Views
• Happo Area
• Alpine Landscapes
• Mountain Resort Atmosphere
• Local Cafés
• Lunch at Leisure
15:00 | Departure for Nagano
16:15 – 18:00 | Nagano Free Exploration
Suggested Activities:
• Zenko-ji Temple Area
• Nagano Station Area
• Local Shops and Cafés
• Izakaya Culture
Overnight in Nagano
Toyoko Inn or Similar
- Day 3Nagano → Tokyo
Free Morning in Nagano
- Zenko-ji Temple
- Omotesando Street
- Local Cafés
Shopping Around Nagano Station
13:00 – 16:00 ｜ Scenic Drive to Tokyo
Travel through the mountain landscapes of Central Japan before arriving in Tokyo.
16:00 ｜ Arrival in Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo and begin your free exploration. Enjoy two days at your own pace to discover the city’s unique blend of modern attractions, local culture, shopping, and dining experiences.
On Sunday, the journey continues as the group departs Tokyo and travels onwards to Nagoya or Osaka, depending on the selected route arrangement.
- Day 4 - Day 5Free Leisure in Tokyo
Free Time in Tokyo (2 Days)
Enjoy two full days of free exploration in Tokyo at your own pace.
Whether you prefer shopping, culture, food, or sightseeing, Tokyo offers something for everyone. Visit famous districts such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, Asakusa, Akihabara, or Harajuku. Explore traditional temples and gardens, discover local neighbourhoods, experience Japanese cuisine, or simply enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere.
Travellers may also choose to visit nearby destinations such as Kamakura, Nikko, or the Tokyo Disney Resort area.
This free time allows you to create your own Tokyo experience before rejoining the group on Sunday to continue the journey towards Nagoya or Osaka.
Overnight stay at the same hotel in Tokyo area
- Day 6Tokyo Bay → Yokohama Scenic Route
08:00｜Departure from Tokyo
The journey officially begins from Tokyo, starting the Japan Golden Route experience across Honshu.
09:00 – 12:00｜Odaiba Free Exploration
Enjoy the modern waterfront atmosphere of Tokyo Bay and explore one of Tokyo’s most popular seaside districts.
Guests may freely enjoy:
- Rainbow Bridge views
- DiverCity
- Seaside promenade
- Tokyo Bay scenery
- Shopping and cafés
12:00 – 13:00｜Free Lunch Time
Guests may freely arrange lunch around the Odaiba area.
14:00 – 17:00｜Yokohama Minato Mirai Free Exploration
Experience the relaxed harbor city atmosphere of Yokohama, combining waterfront scenery, shopping, and urban culture.
Guests may freely explore:
- Red Brick Warehouse
- Minato Mirai
- Yamashita Park
- Waterfront cafés
- Scenic harbor views
17:30｜Depart for Kanagawa Hotel
Travel towards the hotel area and enjoy the evening scenery along the route.
18:30｜Hotel Check-in
Free evening at leisure.
Accommodation｜Toyoko Inn or Similar Hotel
- DAY 7Kanagawa → Hakone → Mt. Fuji Area → Nagoya
08:00 | Departure from Hotel
After breakfast, depart for the Hakone and Mount Fuji region to experience some of Japan’s most iconic natural landscapes.
09:30 – 12:00 | Hakone Free Exploration
Hakone is famous for its volcanic scenery, beautiful lakes, and hot spring culture, making it one of Japan’s most popular resort destinations.
Guests are free to explore at their own pace.
Suggested Highlights:
• Owakudani Valley
• Hakone Shrine
• Lake Ashi
• Hakone Pirate Sightseeing Cruise (optional)
• Hakone Ropeway (optional)12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch at Leisure
Enjoy free time for lunch in the Hakone area and sample local specialties.
14:00 – 16:00 | Mount Fuji Scenic Area Free Exploration
Travel to the Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi area to enjoy one of Japan’s most iconic mountain landscapes and seasonal scenery.
Guests are free to explore independently.
• Lake Kawaguchi
• Oishi Park
• Seasonal Flower Viewing Areas
• Lakeside Cafés and Scenic Viewpoints16:30 | Departure for Nagoya
Leave the Mount Fuji region and travel through Central Japan towards Nagoya.
19:30 | Hotel Check-in in Nagoya
Arrive in Nagoya and complete hotel check-in procedures.
The evening is free for guests to explore the city, enjoy dinner, or relax at the hotel.
Overnight in Nagoya
Accommodation: Nagoya Area Hotel or Similar - Day 8Nagoya → Osaka
08:30 | Hotel Departure
After breakfast, depart from the hotel and begin the final day of the journey.
09:00 – 12:00 | Nagoya Free Exploration
Enjoy free time in Nagoya, one of Central Japan’s most vibrant cities. Guests may explore the city at their own pace and discover local culture, shopping, cafés, and regional cuisine.
Recommended areas include:
• Osu Shopping Street
• Sakae District
• Oasis 21
• Local cafés and specialty shops
• Nagoya regional cuisine12:00 – 13:00 | Free Lunch Time
Enjoy lunch at your leisure in Nagoya city.
14:00 | Depart for Osaka
Guests joining the extended Osaka route will continue the journey towards Osaka while enjoying the changing scenery along the way.
17:00 | Arrival in Osaka | Tour Ends
Guests may continue independently to Tokyo hotels, airports, or other destinations following the conclusion of the tour.
After the tour officially ends, guests may freely arrange their own onward travel plans, including:
Proceeding to the airport for departure
Continuing independent travel in Japan
Returning to Tokyo, Nagoya, or other cities by personal arrangement
Connecting with other MOVE JAPAN extension routes or optional journeys
Guests are free to plan their schedule according to their own travel needs and flight arrangements.
Friendly Reminder (Itinerary Adjustment Notice)
The schedule, attraction sequence, and meal arrangements listed in this itinerary are for reference only. Actual arrangements may be adjusted by the tour coordinator or driver-guide based on traffic conditions, weather, attraction restrictions, or other unforeseen circumstances to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Additional info
Health & Fitness Requirements
Participants should be in good general health and capable of independent travel.
This tour includes periods of walking, sightseeing, and free exploration. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.
The tour may not be suitable for travelers with serious heart conditions, severe mobility limitations, or medical conditions that may be affected by extended travel or walking activities.
Guests with medical concerns are encouraged to consult their doctor before joining the tour.
Participants must be able to manage their own luggage and board vehicles independently.
Best Travel Season
🍁 October – November (Autumn Colours)
❄️ December – March (Snow-Capped Alps & Amaharashi Coast)
🌸 April – May (Spring Landscapes)
Not Recommended:
⚠️ July – September
The iconic snow-capped Tateyama Mountain Range is no longer visible during summer, significantly reducing the scenic impact of Amaharas
Cancellation policy
- Free cancellation up to 8 days before departure
- 25% cancellation charge within 7 days before departure
- 50% cancellation charge within 3 days before departure
- No refund for cancellations within 3 days before departure, after tour commencement, no-show cases, or voluntary withdrawal during the journey
- Bank charges, payment gateway fees, and currency exchange differences may be deducted from refundable amounts if applicable